Helping create communities where people thrive.
CCLF experienced a tremendously successful 2017. CCLF’s operational achievements and our social impact outputs have increased significantly compared to last year. The number of housing units created or retained jumped from 424 to 1,275, commercial real estate and community facility space rose from 38,125 sq. ft. to 415,745 sq. ft. and the number of jobs… Read more »
After two years of sustained effort, Dill Pickle opened the doors to its new and improved location in Logan Square on September 8th! The new storefront offers 10,000 square feet of space, nearly six times as large as the former location. It boasts hot food and salad bars, beer and wine selection, a deli counter… Read more »
Mayor Rahm Emanuel led the project announcement for The Hatchery Chicago, a $34 million food and beverage incubator, slated to open in East Garfield Park in fall 2018. Once constructed, entrepreneurs working out of their homes and shared kitchens will have a space where they can grow their businesses, resulting in wealth creation in East… Read more »
What do you do when you acquire a piece a land, secure predevelopment financing, create drawings, hire a general contractor and then the housing bubble collapses across the country and your bank’s letter of commitment expires? Bankruptcy, foreclosure, abandoned property are actions associated with such a scenario, but that was not case for Reverend Michael… Read more »
On September 13th the CCLF office was at capacity with community stakeholders working to reduce crime and blight in Chicago – joining The City of Chicago and CCLF were Rush University Medical Center, MB Financial Bank, Cook County Land Bank, CARA, Safer Foundation, Community Investment Corporation, 20th Ward Alderman Willie Cochran, 27th Ward Alderman Walter… Read more »
In 1987, a man named Mark Ennis commuted through North Lawndale every day witnessing the devastating effects the abandoned properties was having on neighborhood youth and families. In an effort to help the neighborhood, he decided to buy a six-flat to create better housing for residents at affordable rates and using local youth as workers. … Read more »
Don Duszynski and Sean Connolly are founders of Strata Investments, a real estate development company that rehabilitates vacant properties and creates affordable housing for families in Chicago Housing Authority’s Housing Choice Voucher Program. The company also offers properties to first time homeowners and renters. Their mission is to provide excellent affordable housing options in thriving,… Read more »
On October 13th, 500 community development professionals, civic leaders, CCLF borrowers, supporters and investors gathered to celebrate 25 years of helping create communities where people thrive. The event highlighted CCLF’s diverse range of customers in a variety of ways. It took place at the Stony Island Arts Bank, a CCLF customer site. The Arts… Read more »